Who is Lily Wu from Snow Flower and the Secret Fan and what is their importance?

Lily Wu is the main character in this novel and also serves as narrator of the story. As a sweet little girl she wants only some positive attention from her mother. Her family is not wealthy, and she learns how to do all the practical women's work that comes with having no servants. She is obedient and careful to follow the rules that her mother and her culture have structured for her and quick to believe that one-half of mother-love consists of pain.